Monday, August 16, 2010

Review: 2008 Aquinas Petite Sirah Napa Valley

Shout Out For Petite Sirah

Bottom Line: Accessible Petite done well. All the right parts in all the right proportions. Decent value, too. $16

The Rest Of The Story: (Disclosure: This wine was received as a press sample.) Petite Sirah is an under-rated, under-appreciated grape. But we love it. And you would, too, if you tried it more often. More...
Earlier this year we evaluated a gaggle of Petites in an interesting round-up. That tasting was revealing in that it showed just how susceptible to stylistic variances this grape is. A winemaker's wine, as some call it. Given its variability, you might want to consider branching out and trying some you haven't had before. Like this one.

With aromatics so dark tar comes to mind, its color is surprisingly light. Normally a black, dense, inky color, this one is a deep magenta with mid-level opacity. Medium bodied with Petite Sirah's telltale blackstrap tannins, the flavors are lively, but balanced. As with almost any Petite consumed within a decade of harvest, this is a youngster, but approachable nonetheless.